Insurance and Real Estate Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-1008
AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH EQUITY, THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Title: AND PULSE OXIMETERS.
Vote Date: 3/22/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 3/9/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Rep. Patricia A. Dillon, 92nd Dist.
Sen. Martin M. Looney, 11th Dist.
Rep. Josh Elliott, 88th Dist.
Rep. Robyn A. Porter, 94th Dist.
Rep. Juan R. Candelaria, 95th Dist.
Rep. David Michel, 146th Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
To address concerns regarding biases in the health care system specifically with pulse
oximeters. The pulse oximeter has had a weakness of inaccurately identifying blood oxygen
levels in people of color as opposed to white counterparts. The bill seeks to expand
education to all those who use the pulse oximeter and consumers to make sure they are all
informed of this disparity.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None expressed.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Representative Patricia Dillon, Connecticut General Assembly supports the bill as it
prohibits some insurers, providers and other entities from denying coverage for and a pulse
oximeter. It also directs the insurance department to issue regulations to ensure providers
and consumers are informed that a pulse oximeter is likely to produce and inaccurate blood
oxygen reading for an individual of color as opposed to a white individual. As of the pandemic
data shows people of color are at higher risk of debility and death and wants to identity
sources of bias in the help care system to correct them.
Connecticut Hospital Association agrees with the underlying principles of the bill but has
concerns on the implementation. Due to the weaknesses of the device, such as inaccurate
measures for those with darker skin tones it leads to unmitigated oxygen levels in persons of
color. While this has been known for many years it has been more evident from the
pandemic. The CHA suggested that the bill include oversight roles for the departments of
consumer protection and that the plan for educating patients does not stop at "insured"
patients.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None Expressed.
Reported by: Christina Cruz Date: 04/01/2021
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